TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Which Should You Choose?

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs under the Department of Homeland Security and can help make your travel days more enjoyable. They’re similar programs, but have some key differences that can help you decide which one is right for you and your adventures. 

TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening benefits for domestic flights departing from U.S. airports, allowing travelers to keep their shoes, belts, and laptops on at over 200 U.S. airports and with more than 90 participating airlines.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, plus expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers entering the United States. Global Entry costs $100 for five years, while first-time enrollment to TSA PreCheck costs $78-$85 for five years. 

Also, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you have Global Entry, you can use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for any domestic flights. Both programs require an application with fee, background check, and interview. 

Not sure which is best for you? Here’s what to consider. 

What is TSA PreCheck?

Run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck speeds up security screenings for domestic flights departing from major U.S. airports.

Benefits

TSA PreCheck is popular for its efficiency and convenience. With it, you won’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket when you go through security. Additionally, you can keep your liquids and laptop in your bag. If you have children 17 and under, they can join you in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass.

Overall, the expedited screening process gets you to your gate faster and with fewer surprises. According to the TSA, most enrolled passengers get through security in about 10 minutes.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you need to be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI can also participate in TSA PreCheck. You’ll also need to pass a background check and have no travel-related violations.

To apply, you need to fill out a form online, then go to a 10-minute appointment at an enrollment center. At the in-person visit, they’ll collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify your identity, do a background check and collect payment.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add this number to your airline reservations to get “TSA PreCheck” displayed on your boarding pass, granting you access to the designated lines (in most airports) for TSA PreCheck passengers. You will manually add your KTN when booking online via a participating airline website.

Some airlines, such as Southwest and American Airlines, allow you to add your KTN to your profile so that it automatically applies to your reservations.

Cost and Duration

Enrollment in PreCheck lasts five years. TSA works with two enrollment partners for PreCheck—Idemia and Telos. First-time enrollment with Idemia is $78, or $85 with Telos. Online renewal is $70 through either provider.

What is Global Entry?

Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under Homeland Security, the Global Entry program is more comprehensive, providing additional benefits for preapproved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States.

Benefits

Global Entry offers all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited entry for international travelers. When returning to the U.S. from travel abroad, you get to skip the lines and paperwork at more than 75 airports. Just scan your passport at the Global Entry kiosks, have your photo taken, and you’re done. Global Entry also includes expedited customs screening for international air travelers when entering the U.S.

 Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Global Entry is available to U.S. lawful permanent residents and select foreign nationals. The application process is very similar to TSA PreCheck: You need to complete an online application, pay a fee, and submit biometric information in-person for a background check. 

Unlike PreCheck, the in-person interviews for Global Entry take place almost exclusively at airports, with fewer available locations and appointments.

As with PreCheck, you’ll get a known traveler number once approved, which you can add to airline reservations. You’ll also get a plastic ID card for Global Entry.

Cost and Duration

Global Entry costs $100 for five years. Some premium travel credit card issuers, such as Capital One and Chase, offer statement credits for the application cost of Global Entry or PreCheck as benefits on select cards.

Key Differences

TSA PreCheck is slightly cheaper and easier to get than Global Entry. However, Global Entry offers more comprehensive benefits on both domestic flights as well as international flights to the U.S. Both offer faster security screening and a smoother airport experience.

Which Program is Right for You?

In general, Global Entry makes more sense if you travel internationally, whereas TSA PreCheck is ideal for domestic travel. You don’t need to get TSA PreCheck if you already have Global Entry, since it’s included. So, if you already have a passport and you can afford the application fee, Global Entry makes sense.

On the other hand, if you only travel domestically, just getting TSA PreCheck might be easier since the processing time is much shorter than for Global Entry. TSA recommends enrolling in Global Entry if you travel internationally four or more times a year.  

Also keep in mind, Global Entry only gives you expedited entry into the U.S. So, there’s no benefit if you travel from France to Nigeria, or from Colombia to Peru, for example.

How to Apply to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Here are the steps to apply for Global Entry: 

1. Apply online: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and pay a $100 non-refundable fee.

2. Enroll: Once you receive conditional approval, you have the option to complete your interview upon arrival into the United States at an Enrollment on Arrival location. Or, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. 

Customs Border Protection recommends passengers who are flying internationally into the U.S. to complete Global Entry enrollment at an Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) location as an alternative to scheduling an interview at an Enrollment Center.

3. Membership: Once you’ve completed the enrollment interview, your Global Entry membership lasts five years.

Here are the steps to apply for TSA PreCheck: 

1. Apply Online: Choose your enrollment provider and location near you, and then fill out the online application.

2. In-person enrollment appointment: Attend a 10-minute visit at your chosen provider that includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.

3. Enjoy TSA PreCheck: Once approved, your membership lasts for five years. Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservations to make sure you’ll be able to use PreCheck at the airport.

For TSA PreCheck, you can use a valid passport, an unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), permanent resident or “Green Card”, and other acceptable documents. For Global Entry, you must bring a valid passport to the interview.

The Bottom Line

At just $22 more for the same perks and more, Global Entry is a comprehensive choice for travelers who want to streamline the airport experience. If you travel both domestically and internationally, it’s likely worth the extra cost and time to get Global Entry since it already includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck. Regardless of which program you choose, planning ahead is key to take advantage of these trusted traveler programs.